Pre-production designers are encouraged to let their minds soar and imagine the impossible. Film technicians are charged with translating the “impossible” into practical, working props and costumes, within time constraints, budgets and the laws of physics. The single biggest challenge facing any artist when asked to interpret the work of another is remaining faithful to the original intent of the concept while working within these all too real constraints.

Ralph McQuarrie designed many versions of Darth Vader’s sinister breathing mask during pre-production on Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. The art on which this helmet is based remains one of his favorite pieces and we chose it to be the first in our Concept Series.